Samira Gutoc-Tomawis was the first opposition candidate from the Liberal Party to file her certificate of candidacy at the Commission on Elections central office in Intramuros, Manila.

The former member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission said that she will be the voice of Muslims in Mindanao and the women and the youth.

“Hindi lang ito ka-Muslim-an kundi kababaihan, kababaihan na more than one half of the population. Hindi lang po kababaihan kundi kabataan for which I served as a youth leader for so many associations,” she said.

[It is not only the Muslims (whom I will prioritize) but also the women’s sector. The women’s sector is more than half of the population. Also (I will prioritize) the youth for which I served as a youth leader for so many associations.]

“Nanindigan po ako as the first opposition candidate to file today because I’m not afraid… I’m not afraid to be heard, to step to Manila, miles and miles from so far Marawi,” said Tomawis.